Stantec redesigned the Pediatrics Unit at UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg to provide a better patient experience in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The 20,000 square-foot renovation of UPMC Harrisburg Hospital created a new Pediatrics Unit that brought the nationally recognized care of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh to central Pennsylvania. With the goal of providing higher quality outcomes and better patient and family experiences, the 11 new private patient rooms are universal, allowing for ICU level care as needed.

Each patient room has a dedicated decentralized nurse station with two main collaborative-care-team touchdowns anchoring the ends of the central support core. Located within the central core, the shared clinical support spaces are equidistant to all patient rooms. In addition to the clinical support, staff support areas are located outside of the clinical area to provide privacy and separation while maintaining convenience and workflow.

Beyond clinical areas, the unit’s dedicated play and activity area provides a positive distraction. The play area incorporates spaces for toddlers to young adults and includes a family lounge space. Play can restore a sense of normalcy to an otherwise disrupted way of life due to hospitalization. It reduces stress and allows for socialization and educational opportunities. Programs such as art therapy, STEM activities, and interactive elements are implemented to help patients thrive beyond the hospital walls.

Design: Stantec
Interactive Design/Environmental Graphics: Metcalfe Architecture & Design
Contractor: Quandel Construction Company
Photography: Jeffrey Totaro